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BoC Holds at 2.25%: What the Rate Decision (and Rising Gas Prices) Mean for Your Wallet

  Thursday, July 16, 2026 Sixth consecutive hold. A weaker 2026 growth forecast. And inflation that's running hotter because of gas prices, not the usual suspects. Here's what actually changes for you. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on Wednesday, exactly as markets expected. No surprise there. What's more interesting is why it held, and what it revealed about where the economy — and your bills — are headed next. This was the sixth straight hold since the Bank finished its easing cycle back in October. But buried in the accompanying Monetary Policy Report were a few numbers worth your attention. The Numbers That Matter Overnight Rate 2.25% (unchanged) Prime Rate (typical) 4.45% 2026 GDP Growth Forecast 0.7% (cut from 1.2%) 2027 / 2028 Growth Forecast 1.8% each year May CPI Inflation 3.2% Inflation Excluding Gasoline 2.2% Unemployment Rate (June) 6.5% Next Rate Decision September 2, 2026 Why Gas Prices Are Driving This Decision Here's the twist in th...

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Tourist Resorts in Indian-Controlled Kashmir Temporarily Closed Amid Rising Tensions

 

Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir have temporarily shut down 48 of the 87 government-authorized tourist resorts in the scenic Himalayan region. This decision follows a deadly attack near the resort town of Pahalgam, where gunmen killed 26 people, most of them Indian tourists.

The attack has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to diplomatic measures such as visa cancellations, the recall of diplomats, and the suspension of a crucial water-sharing treaty. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack, which was claimed by a previously unknown militant group.

The closures are a precautionary safety measure, but they have disrupted tourism in the region, which had been flourishing in recent years. Millions of visitors travel to Kashmir annually to experience its natural beauty, despite ongoing skirmishes between insurgents and government forces.

The situation remains tense, with cross-border firing reported along the Line of Control and increased security measures in place.

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